19-year old, Buddy Perkinson of Prince George, Va., is bringing with him a new synergy to Jim
Cunningham Motorsports in 2011 and will usher in the new year as one of NHRA's newest professional
drivers as he makes the jump from Comp Eliminator to now joining the ranks of Pro Stock piloting a
Jerry Haas-built Ford Mustang.

"Cunningham Motorsports welcomes Buddy Perkinson to our racing organization and we're looking
forward to the start of the 2011 NHRA season," said long-time car owner and driver, Jim Cunningham.
"We're adding some other additional personnel to the team in hopes of improving on our results from
last year. We feel that Buddy will help us reach our goal for the up-coming season."

Perkinson's background comes from being an alumnus of the NHRA's Jr. Drag Racing series before
attending the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School to get his Super Comp license. He progressed up the
ranks running Top Dragster and later attended the Roy Hill Drag Racing School honing his skills
behind the wheel of a Pro Stock car. Beginning in 2010, he ventured onto the comp eliminator scene
with Johnson and Russell Racing. Later, Buddy obtained two semi-final appearances driving for
family friend, Larry Morgan, who Perkinson feels a great racing obligation to, before being granted
his ultimate dream of driving a Pro Stock car in 2011 for Cunningham Motorsports.

"I know I'm young and have a lot to learn," said a delighted Perkinson upon receiving the news. "I
know this is a great opportunity in the aspect of not having a lot of experience, so they can teach
me what I need to learn and we can build off of that. To me, it's a challenge that I'm very
excited about. I'm going to study every part of the car to the best of my abilities. That's a big
plus for me to gather all the information I can."

For Rookie-of-the-year candidate, Perkinson, he will have excellent tutelage under 10-Time NHRA Pro
Stock champion and 85-time winner, Bob Glidden.

"Bob Glidden has been around the sport forever and knows what I need to learn," said Perkinson.
"With having someone like Bob Glidden around the pits and behind the engine program, there's an
unlimited amount of knowledge that will only add a positive effect."

Buddy Perkinson

Noted car-builder and renowned chassis man, Jerry Haas was one of the major proponents in
discussing with Cunningham and wife, Gloria, the possibilities in making the arrangements in
placing Perkinson in the driver's seat. His eye for talent has long been documented and Perkinson
caught his attention while watching the young man as he drove his Comp Eliminator B/A car.

"I've been around this sport for a long time and I know the people that I feel can go on to higher
levels and watching Buddy race I had to say to myself, wow, this young man is really good and if he
gets involved with the right team, he's going to go places ," said Haas. "I love having new people
come into the sport and we really need them and when you have somebody like Buddy, it's a win-win
situation for the NHRA, for Buddy, for Jim Cunningham, and Ford Motor Company.

"Our product speaks for itself and we feel mighty grateful to have the people we have in the top-10
this past year. We're proud of every one of our customers, but with Buddy coming in I think that
is going to open it up and he's going to move forward and he'll be in the top-10 in 2011."

Now it will up to Perkinson to manage himself in looking ahead for the season.

"I'm really looking forward to the 22 races in 2011," said Perkinson. "I've raced probably around
16 to 18 races for the past five years. I guess that why they call it your rookie year with the
understanding of the daily grind of keeping a competitive car running strong all-year long, but
that won't conceal my excitement. Winners, losers, champions, and heroes are made in the moment
and I will have to prove myself every race. One day, I hope to be a champion and that's my goal.

"Jim Cunningham wants to win and is putting people in the right places on the team to build a
winning program. I never will be able to thank Mr. Cunningham or Jerry Haas enough for this great
opportunity to begin my motorsports career with Cunningham Motorsports."

Testing starts for Perkinson in January as he prepares for his debut at the 51st annual Kragen
O'Reilly Auto Parts Winternationals at the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona on Feb. 24 - 27.